Toop, David – “Lost Shadows: In Defence of The Soul” – [Sub Rosa]

ralph   1/13/2016   12-inch, International

The Yanomami are an indigenous rainforest tribe that have been massacred time and time again, and captured here are sounds that would have been otherwise lost to the folds of time. Mesmerizing guttural chanting with subtle forest sounds in the background. Great for mixing, no real discernible breaks between tracks. Included booklet details everything you’d ever want to know about Toop’s journey.

Funk Carioca [coll] – [Mr Bongo]

ralph   1/13/2016   12-inch, International

Heavily influenced by Miami Bass, this is Brazil’s own brand of hip-hop. Often minimal in structure, simple out of necessity, and made with only the equipment they could get their hands on, this music originated from some of the most impoverished parts of Brazil. With lyrics ranging from naughty innuendos, to subtle drug references, to just the longing to feel pride for the favela you came from; these songs maintain an upbeat, bass heavy outlook on life, proving no matter what hardships these people face, it can’t be denied that at the end of the day, they know how to party…really, kids in Brazil get fucked up to this shit.